Downtown Dogs – Best Dog Runs in NYC

Dog runs were once an afterthought in the minds of city planners, but now are essential to every park in the city. A “dog run” is a designated section of a public park where pooches can play unleashed with their other four-legged friends. Between tiny apartments, and laws that require all dogs to be leashed, dog runs are becoming more important for an urban dog’s well-being. Areas like these give dogs a chance to stretch their legs and play with others without the constraints of a lead or a small living space.

So, what makes a dog run stand out from the rest in a city where every park has at least one, if not more? Most pet owners choose an area because of its proximity to their apartment or workplace. A good dog run should have two gates (in order to let dogs in and out of the area without others escaping), water for the dogs, garbage cans for waste, as well as plenty of room for the dogs to run around. Favorite dog runs also include sitting areas for pet owners, plenty of shade, and bags for owners to curb their pups.

The most important part of any dog run, however, is the pet owners who bring their dogs there. This was an overwhelming response that I received from any person I spoke to. All said that a dog run is only as good as its most negligent owner. That is, while a dog can relax in the run, it is owner’s duty to make sure that the dog behaves and plays well with the others. Also, please clean up after your pooch!

So, where should you bring your dog to play in downtown Manhattan? Locals prefer Tompkins Square Park, and Washington Square Park’s runs for both big and small dogs. Have you

By Madalena, a recent graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. By day, she works on the corporate side of the beauty industry in NYC, working for one of the largest beauty trade shows in North America. Madalena’s passion outside of work is fitness- she recently became licensed as a Zumba(R) instructor, and aims to compete in both a triathlon and half-marathon this year. Madalena loves animals and enjoys meeting dogs and their owners.